As one approaches the Katabi garbage dumping landfill, they are greeted by a steady stream of rubbish trucks arriving from Kampala and Wakiso, all eager to deposit their waste and fulfill their daily quotas.
This influx of trucks, which service the landfill spanning over 14 acres, has significantly impacted the surrounding community, leading to a pervasive and unpleasant odor caused by the mix of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
The move to Katabi comes in the wake of a devastating landfill disaster at Kiteezi, which resulted in the deaths of over 35 people and left 28 others presumed missing as search and recovery efforts continue, according to police reports.
When The Observer contacted Entebbe Municipality mayor Fabrice Rulinda to inquire about any agreements with KCCA regarding waste disposal, he stated, “The relief agreement we provided to KCCA for waste dumping is set to end on Monday, August 19, 2024. After this date, KCCA will need to identify alternative locations for disposing of excess waste.”
Rulinda further explained, “Dumping sites present numerous issues, such as the risk of birds entering plane engines and causing aeronautical accidents. For this reason, we granted KCCA temporary relief. Once this period ends, they will need to secure a more suitable dumping site while addressing the aftermath of the Kiteezi landfill disaster.”
Discussing effective strategies for managing plastic waste, Mayor Fabrice Rulinda emphasized the importance of educating the public on separating plastic waste from biodegradable waste. He also advocated for the establishment of recycling plants that can process waste or convert it into energy.
Regarding the temporary relocation of waste dumping to Katabi, Daniel Muhumuza Nuweabine, head of Public Relations at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), explained, “KCCA reallocated the dumping of garbage to Katabi landfill in Entebbe due to the challenges faced with the Kiteezi landfill. The Kiteezi landfill served not only Kampala but also areas such as Wakiso, Mukono, and Kasangati.
Moving to Entebbe aims to alleviate the burden on the community. While there is an agreement that expires on August 19, 2024, discussions with Entebbe municipality are ongoing to explore the possibility of continuing waste disposal at Katabi.”
Muhumuza also highlighted KCCA’s strategic decision to establish a recycling plant. This initiative is intended to break down waste and generate energy, with the goal of improving waste management in the near future.
GARBAGE TRUCK DRIVERS SPEAK OUT
In an interview, Emmanuel Adriko, a garbage truck driver with Armstrong Global Solutions Limited, reported that he arrived at the Katabi landfill at 6am. on a Thursday. He noted that the road leading to the dumping site was blocked, and the recent ban imposed by the mayor of Entebbe municipality on landfill access had caused significant delays.
“The blockage and the mayor’s actions have left many trucks stuck in line, as there are no alternative places for us to dump the waste,” Adriko said.
Muhammad Muwanje, a driver with KCCA, echoed similar concerns. He described the situation at the Katabi landfill, stating that the blocked road had led to a chaotic scene with trucks queuing for extended periods.
“Despite the relief agreement from Entebbe municipality allowing us to dump waste, the roadblock has caused considerable commotion and lengthy delays,” Muwanje explained.
KATABI RESIDENTS SPEAK OUT
In interviews with residents of Katabi, several expressed concerns about the impact of the temporary relocation of garbage to their area following the Kiteezi landfill disaster.
Enoch Kyagulanyi shared with The Observer, “Since the garbage was redirected to Katabi, our community has been suffering from air pollution. The trucks carrying the waste produce a foul smell, making the air we breathe filthy.” He further noted, “The increased dumping has contaminated local wells that provide our drinking water and has diminished the quality of fish in nearby ponds.”
Kyagulanyi also pointed out that the surge in garbage trucks has caused significant road blockages, affecting movement within the community.
“The growing volume of waste at the Katabi landfill could eventually lead to some rubbish being dumped into the lake, potentially contaminating the water that many Ugandans rely on. It is crucial for the government to develop a more effective strategy for managing both plastic and biodegradable waste,” he added.
Vincent Nsubuga, a shopkeeper in Katabi, reported that the influx of garbage has driven some residents away.
“The increase in rubbish dumping has caused a terrible smell that is driving tenants out of rental properties. This has led to loss of clients for rental house owners,” Nsubuga explained.
ECONOMIC UPSIDES OF INCREASED WASTE AT KATABI LANDFILL
While many residents of Katabi view the recent surge in garbage trucks as an inconvenience, some have found economic opportunities in the increased waste.
Alex Kisekka, who operates a plastic recycling business near the Katabi landfill, explained, “Before the Kiteezi landfill disaster, I used to collect only six tonnes of plastic each week, which I sold to Chinese factories for recycling. Since the disaster, the amount of plastic collected has expanded to 10 tonnes per week, leading to increased profits and more job opportunities in the community.”
Yusuf Nsubuga, another resident engaged in the plastic recycling sector, noted, “The percentage of plastics and boxes I collect has drastically increased due to the Kiteezi disaster. Previously, I would visit Katabi once or twice a week to gather plastics, but now I come every day to collect plastics and used boxes. This has been beneficial for my business.”
HOW OTHER COUNTRIES MANAGE PLASTIC WASTE
Plastic waste remains a significant challenge for Uganda, but lessons can be learned from other countries that have implemented effective waste management strategies.
Rwanda has adopted some of the most comprehensive waste management practices in Africa. The country has enacted strict laws banning non-biodegradable plastics, significantly reducing environmental pollution. The Rwandan government also invests in public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of plastic waste and the benefits of eco-friendly alternatives, such as paper bags.
Additionally, Rwanda has introduced innovative methods to manage biodegradable waste, such as the waste-to-energy initiative, which converts organic waste into biogas. This renewable energy source is particularly valuable in rural areas.
South Africa also offers a successful model for waste management through its partnerships with the private sector and non-governmental organizations. The government’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs require manufacturers and importers of plastic products to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products, including post-consumer waste.
This approach has led to increased investment in recycling infrastructure and encouraged companies to design products that are easier to recycle and have a lower environmental impact.
Singapore addresses its plastic waste challenges with advanced waste-to-energy technology. The country incinerates plastic waste at specialized plants that convert the waste into electric energy. This method helps manage waste effectively and prevents landfills from becoming overloaded.
The recent disaster at the Kiteezi landfill underscores the need for Uganda to enhance its waste management strategies. This includes strengthening legislation and developing recycling facilities to handle the increasing volume of waste at landfills such as Kiteezi and Katabi.
By adopting proven strategies from other countries, Uganda can better manage its waste and mitigate the risk of environmental and societal disasters.